Starting to think about getting a dog - advice on breeds/ practicalities needed

[puddle]

DH and I have been discussing getting a dog recently - we're in the early stages of thinking about it. Could do with some advice.

Firstly DH and I both work, but one or other of us is at home 5 days out of 7. Does that mean we can't consider a puppy? Would we need to get an older dog? We were thinking that the summer (DH teaches) would be a good time to get the dog and get it settled in - is this realistic? How long does a puppy take to settle and train?

What's the best way to research a breed? Our early thinking is that a small dog would be good as we don't want a dog that needs huge walks. Also don't want anything that sheds endless hair. I like the look of schnausers (sp?) but no idea about temperament, I also like daschunds (sp?). The children are 5 and 7.

Can someone with a smallish dog talk me through the realities of daily life - how many walks? How much chewing and mess?

Thanks!

Just re-read my posts. Sorry about the dreadful spelling, kids were still up, thats my excuse! Shame you missed the Earls Court one Puddle, probably would have been OK for you to get there. Will try and think if there are any dog events on nearer to you early next year. I am in South London (Kent) so maybe not too far from you. Dogs are hard work but they are very rewarding as well. Be prepared to go to training classes, some are held at weekends, so children could be involved. At 5 and 7 I think they are old enough to be sensible around a puppy. One of our dogs died recently, but I won't have another puppy until my youngest is at school.

Have a look at my profile, normally have it set to private, but I have got piccies of the dogs there. The one with DD is our old boy who died recently . We all miss him so much especially DD who is 4.6. She keeps asking if we can drive to Heaven to see him

Wags dalmations are absolutely gorgeous aren't they? Sorry about your dog. Lovely pics

i'm with caz, border terriers are great little dogs, i have a border cross and he is a little star, absolutely fantastic with my DD (2). He is only 8 months old. He is not big but not small and dainty so is pretty robust.

Don't be fooled by a small dog not needing long walks, mine would walk all day if he were given the chance, but im really crap and it is feast or famine in this house im afraid. So whilst he loves his walks, he is happy with a play in the garden and some rough and tumble with me. At least he has never said other wise

Schnauzers are nice, on the whole i think they have good temprements. Daschunds are nice too, but they do have a tendancy to bark, bark and then bark some more. Not all of them, but i think it is a breed trait, a friend of mine has just got a miniture dachsy pup, funny looking thing it is, but a fantastic little character.

I honestly couldnt recommend the border terrier more, and they are not quite so expensive as the other breeds. We paid £200 for our cross breed (far to much) but we chose him because he had been bred in the home. That is another really important thing, if at all possible, go for a dog that has been bred in a home environment, it makes training so much easier.

As far as training goes, there are plenty of classes on offer, which are great fun and your children are old enough to enjoy that too. I would advise getting a cage, as this is excellent for toilet training and provides a place of sanctuary for the dog (and you when youve had enough of him)> Those are relatively cheap. Schnausers will need to be professionally groomed to, so remember to factor that into your equation. Do take time to make sure you make the right choice for you breed wise, but it does sound like you are being sensible about it. BOB - my little "borderpatterdale" is like my shadow and follows me everywhere. He does kick off when i leave him but he is a dog, he has to live with it and get used to it. Being small though, i tend to take him most places with me. He is our first small dog, we used to have rotties but i certainly wouldnt recommend those to a first time dog owner with young children

oh by the way - im half tempted to get a second dog, so reading your thread has made me "broody"

king charles

Actually I maligned my current dachs yesterday....it was window cleaner day. I've hardly heard a bark out of him today! At least its a proper bark, couldn't stand a yip-yappy small dog.

Definitely a good idea to go to some dog shows once you've narrowed down the breeds you're interested in - we did last time, met breeders and could quiz them about temperament etc, and meet some of their dogs.

Hi - another border terrier owner here (thanks to asking a similar question to yours about eight months ago!) They are great, easy going and very friendly dogs. I run my own dog walking business so he is out with me walking a lot, but I know they can be just as happy with one walk a day. He is excellent with my ds (puts up with a lot) Doesn't really shed and just plain old good fun.

I was surprised recently by a new client (greyhound/saluki) to find out that they are very friend/child friendly/lazy dogs! Only recommended 2 x 30 mins walk a day. Not sure about the shedding aspect though. I have to admit to being rather taken with this breed too. So maybe worth a look!

Good luck x

we got a border collie X from a rescue 7 months ago... we think she may be crossed with a saluki, she runs about like crazy on our walks and the rest of the time she sleeps!

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are v lovely (I have an Hungarian Vizsla but wouldn't recommend it as a first dog - can be v sensitive). Look into local dog walkers for those days you are not around - good for socialising the puppy t oo!

Drooool over Vizsla, lovely dogs. I think the reason I was thinking that a Border might be a bit too much is because a lot of my Dalmatian friends have them and they certainly have no trouble keeping up with a Dally. A friend with young children took over a year deciding what puppy to have and she now has a King Charles Spaniel. Am seeing her tonight so will ask more about him. There are 2 sorts I think, Calvalier King Charles Spaniel and King Charles Spaniel, not sure of the difference to be honest. Puddle, you are more than welcome to CAT me, if you let me know where you are I could try and find some more local 'dog' events for you. If its not too far I would love an excuse to come window shoppng with you